Marion Reita Harris, 93, of Allentown, died Dec. 25, 2024, under hospice care in her home.

The daughter of the late Margarite (Trepanier) and Herbert S. Hawley, she was born Jan. 6, 1931, in Buffalo, N.Y.

A graduate of Fredonia State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in music education, she taught in Cuba, N.Y., Dover Air Force Base and Frederica, Del. While teaching in Lima, Delaware County, she began studying at Temple University to earn her degree in early childhood education.

She taught kindergarten in the Southern Lehigh School District for 23 years, while continuing her studies through Penn State Extension classes.

She served with her husband, the Rev. Thomas G. Harris, at Calvary Baptist Church, South Whitehall, for 23 years.

Active in the music program, she played piano, sang with the choir, wrote musical arrangements for the Calvary Men’s Quartet and enjoyed singing with her daughters in the Harris Trio.

Her greatest love was for her family, and she blessed them all with her stories and jokes, unforgettable laughter, delicious food and unconditional love.

She is survived by her children Donna Harris Cierlitsky and her husband, Ed, Stephen Harris and his wife, Kathryne, Timothy Harris and his wife, Kathleen, Judith Harris Rivera and her husband, Johnny; and many grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband; youngest son, Jonathan Harris; brother Harold Hawley; and sisters Catherine Gassman and Lorayne Hawley.

Her memorial service will be 11 a.m. Jan. 4 at Calvary Baptist Church, 4601 Tilghman St., Allentown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to the church, 4601 Tilghman St., Allentown, PA 18104.

Arrangements made by Stephens Funeral Home Inc., Allentown.